The Government has now confirmed the future structure of local government in Hertfordshire, with four new unitary councils expected to take over responsibilities from April 2028. For Dacorum, this means becoming part of a new authority serving West Hertfordshire alongside St Albans. Local Government Reorganisation | Shaping Hertfordshire’s Future.

As an organisation with a long history of supporting the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector through periods of change, we understand that announcements like these can raise questions about the future. However, we see Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) as an opportunity rather than a challenge. There is a clear transition period ahead, and services will continue as the new arrangements are developed and implemented over the next two years. 

We understand that LGR will affect every organisation in our sector in some way. For some members, particularly those whose funding or services are closely linked to local government, the impact could be significant; for others, the changes may be less immediate but still important as local partnerships, funding arrangements and service delivery evolve. We are committed to supporting our members throughout this transition, helping organisations understand what the changes mean, identify opportunities, and ensure the voice of the voluntary and community sector is heard as new arrangements take shape. As the transition progresses, we expect to have a much clearer picture of the implications and opportunities by the autumn, making LGR a key topic at our conference on 5 November 2026. 

For our volunteers, there is no immediate change, and volunteering opportunities will continue as normal while the new arrangements are developed over the coming years. As plans develop, we look forward to helping shape a strong volunteering culture across the new West Hertfordshire area, building connections, sharing good practice and creating even more opportunities for people to get involved and make a difference in their communities. 

For people accessing our Wellbeing and Employability services, it is very much business as usual. The support and opportunities they rely on will continue, and there are no immediate planned changes to service delivery as a result of LGR. Looking ahead, the new arrangements could create opportunities for services to become more connected, accessible and responsive to local needs. We will continue to work closely with partners to ensure people receive the best possible support, while exploring how these changes can help us reach and support even more residents across the area. 

Community Action Dacorum has always believed in the power of strong, connected communities. We see this period of change as an opportunity to build on those strengths and help shape a positive future for West Hertfordshire. Working alongside local authorities, partners and residents, we will continue to champion the needs of our communities and support a voluntary and community sector that is resilient, collaborative and ready to thrive in the years ahead.